5 takeaways from the Brunswick County budget

Monday

May 15, 2017 at 7:12 PMMay 15, 2017 at 7:12 PM

Brunswick County commissioners are in the process of considering the budget for the next fiscal year, 2017-18.

By Makenzie Holland StarNews Staff

No tax increase and additional funds are some of the highlights of Brunswick County's 2017-18 recommended budget. With a budget of $233.4 million, up $8.8 million from the 2016-17 budget, the county has an extra $5.1 million in additional revenues for the 2017-18 budget, which County Manager Ann Hardy said came from the general economy improving and county growth. Some of the main focus areas in the recommended budget, which the county will consider for adoption June 5, include employee retention and recruitment, public safety, education, shoreline protection and county senior centers.

1. Employee retention and recruitment

Hardy said the county is increasing its employee pay scale by 2 percent, which she said “keeps us competitive in the marketplace.” Additionally, Hardy said there is a fairly modest increase in employee health premiums, which the county pays.

2. Public safety

Public safety accounts for about 17.8 percent, or about $41.5 million, of the recommended budget. Brunswick County commissioners approved a plan in 2016 to phase in 23 additional deputies over time, which Hardy said is a significant component of the budget. Hardy said another significant effort in the budget is an additional paramedic shift that will be used to improve response times to paramedic calls.

3. Education

Education, including Brunswick County Schools and Brunswick Community College, encompasses 23.8 percent, about $55.4 million, of the recommended budget. BCS has begun the design process for numerous projects since county residents approved a bond for the school system in November. Funding to BCS from the county will increase 5.33 percent and funding to Brunswick Community College will increase 4.41 percent, plus an additional $200,000 for the Foundation Grant.

4. Shoreline protection

Hardy said the recommended budget doubles the amount available in the shoreline protection fund. The county had a reserve of about $200,000, but is adding $204,000 for a dredging maintenance program.

5. Senior centers

With two new senior centers recently opened in Supply and Leland, Hardy said funding to Brunswick Senior Resources Inc., which manages the centers, will increase 25.9 percent to support programs for the centers, which will be considered full service.

Reporter Makenzie Holland can be reached at 910-343-2371 or Makenzie.Holland@StarNewsOnline.com.

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